EP3417899B1 - Respiratory mask interface with low control forces - Google Patents

Description

In the case of a breathing mask such as a breathing mask or any other breathing interface, a detachable and rotatable adapter for a hose connection is usually arranged in the mask base body. Since the adapter has to be easily replaceable / cleanable, it can be detached - for example via a rotary latching connection. The invention is based on an operating element of a breathing mask with an interface. The operating element has a handle part rotatable about an axis of rotation with a circumferential gripping surface. The handle part can be brought into different rotational positions, whereby the interface is operated. There are also locking elements in the area of the interface. Examples of such an interface are shown in the breathing masks of DE 10 2005 041 716 A1 and the DE 10 2005 041 717 A1 .

Depending on the design of the operating elements, it must be possible to transmit high operating forces in some cases. This is the case in particular with purely mechanical operating elements when an additional latching is provided. If rotary-operated operating elements are only provided with a circumferential gripping surface, the operating elements must be made comparatively large in diameter in order to be able to transmit the high operating forces in an ergonomically justifiable and safe manner.

The document US 2013/0276 790 A1 discloses three-dimensional movement of a headgear connector to alleviate head movements of a wearer.

The breathing mask of the DE 10 2005 041 716 A1 and the DE 10 2005 041 717 A1 are constructed from a variety of components. This requires a very massive and heavy design.

The following documents also disclose breathing masks, US 2013/276790 , DE 10 2005 031541 , WO 03/035156 , WO 2013/006899 , WO 2016/072868 and WO 2007/143793 .

The present invention is based on the object of 'providing an operating element of the generic type with which high operating forces can be transmitted with a nonetheless delicate design.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments or developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims or the description.

According to the invention it is now proposed that instead of the circumferential gripping surface DE 10 2005 041 716 A1 and the DE 10 2005 041 717 A1 A grip part extending radially outward is molded onto the locking ring, which is designed and suitable to serve as a pressure surface or gripping means for fingers or the hand of an operator.

The invention therefore relates to a breathing mask with an interface for connecting at least two components, the interface being round or oval and having a maximum diameter (D) and the components each providing at least a partial area of the interface, characterized in that the component is a Has handle part which extends radially outward from the partial area and which is designed as a pressure surface or gripping means which is suitable for operation with the finger or hand of an operator (B), the component having two handle parts which extend radially outward from the sub-area and which are designed as pressure surfaces or gripping means which are suitable for operation with the finger or hand of an operator (B) , the sub-areas interlocking positively in an assembled state and being movable about an axis of rotation, for which purpose the Handle part is rotatable in different rotational positions relative to the two handle parts.

The handle parts should therefore be dimensioned in such a way that the operator's fingers find sufficient space on them.

In this way it is easily possible for the operator to be able to transmit both radial forces and axial forces to the interface. Overall, the transmission of high operating forces is possible, with the diameter of the circumferential gripping surface not having to be increased. This is very beneficial to an attractive, filigree design for the entire breathing mask.

The invention is also characterized in that the fingers of an operator find sufficient space on them.

The invention is also characterized in that a handle part is designed as part of the forehead support and in one piece with the forehead support, the forehead support also providing contact points for the harness.

The invention is also characterized in that two handle parts are formed as part of the body and in one piece with the body, the handle parts also providing contact points for the harness.

The invention is also additionally characterized in that the surface of the handle parts is provided with friction-increasing means (nubs or corrugations) in order to improve the feel.

The invention is preferably characterized in that the interface serves to connect three components, the components being the mask body, hose connector and forehead support.

The invention is also characterized in that the handle part is longer than the diameter (D) of the interface.

The handle part is the carrier of the forehead support.

The diameter (D) of the interface is the maximum diameter (D) of the recess in the component (3).

Alternatively, the invention is also characterized in that two handle parts are each 50% -200% of the dimension of the diameter (D) of the interface.

The invention is also characterized in that two handle parts are arranged symmetrically opposite one another on the component.

The two handle parts (7, 9) can also be arranged at an angle to the component (3).

The invention is also characterized in that lead-in bevels are provided in the area of the interface.

The invention is preferably also characterized in that latching means are provided in the subareas in the area of the interface.

In addition, the invention is also characterized in that at least two latching means are provided in the subareas in the area of the interface and are arranged symmetrically.

The invention is alternatively also characterized in that the insertion bevels and the locking means are designed and arranged so that the operating forces that are necessary to release the locking are higher than the operating forces that are necessary to close the locking.

The invention is also characterized in that the components have at least one pointer (Z) and at least one symbol (S), at least one pointer (Z) can be aligned with at least one symbol (S) by rotating the handle part, the symbol ( S) is stationary and the pointer (Z) is designed to be rotatable relative to the symbol (s).

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment (s) above. These were only used to explain the core concept of the invention in general. Rather, within the scope of its scope of protection, the invention can also assume embodiments or forms other than those described above. In particular, it can also have features that represent a combination of individual features of the respective claims.

Figure 1 shows the breathing mask with an interface (1) for connecting at least two components (2, 3). The interface (1) is designed, for example, round or oval and has a maximum diameter (D). The components (2, 3) each provide at least a partial area (4, 5) of the interface. The component (2) has a handle part (6) which extends radially outward from the partial area (4) and which is designed as a pressure surface or gripping means for fingers or the hand of an operator (B). The component (3) has two handle parts (7, 9) which extend radially outward from the partial area (5) and which are designed as a pressure surface or gripping means for fingers or the hand of an operator (B). The subregions (4, 5) interlock with one another in an assembled state and can be moved around an axis of rotation (DA). For this purpose, the handle part (6) can be rotated into different rotational positions relative to the two handle parts (7, 9). The rotational symmetry around an axis (DA) located in the center of the inner radius and protruding vertically from the plane of the drawing by 180 ° can be seen. The symmetry means that the parts can be assembled in any orientation. By coding the bayonet position, for example with three bayonets, an asymmetrical design is also possible.

The handle parts (6,7,9) are dimensioned in such a way that the operator's fingers find sufficient space on them.

The handle part (6) is designed as part of the forehead support (10) and in one piece with the forehead support (10), the forehead support also providing contact points (11) for a strap (not shown).

The two handle parts (7, 9) are designed as part of the body and in one piece with the body (3). The handle parts also have contact points (11) for harnessing.

The interface (1) is used to connect three components (2, 3), the components being the mask body (3), hose connector (not shown) and forehead support (2). The hose connector has e.g. a ball joint-shaped area which is at least partially surrounded and held by the forehead support (2). The ball-and-socket joint-shaped area is preferably received by the partial area (4).

The handle part (6) is longer than the diameter (D) of the interface.

The two handle parts (7, 9) are similarly long (50% - 200%) as the dimension of the diameter (D) of the interface.

The two handle parts (7, 9) are arranged symmetrically opposite one another on the component (3).

In the area (4, 5) of the interface, insertion bevels (13) and latching means (12) are provided, which are here arranged symmetrically in the area (4, 5). The components 2, 3) can therefore be assembled in any orientation to one another.

The insertion bevels and the latching means (12, 13) are designed and arranged in such a way that the operating forces that are necessary to release the latching are higher than the operating forces that are necessary to close the latching. This enables the connection of the components (2, 3) to be secured.

The bayonet on the forehead support is realized pointing radially outward, corresponding receptacles are provided on the inner radius in the mask body. The bayonet on the locking ring locks into the mask body in the joining direction, making it easier to find and guide.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment according to the invention of a forehead support (2). The forehead support connector (21), with which the forehead support (2) is attached to the mask body (3), forms the base of the forehead support (2). A web (6) connects the forehead support connector (21) to the band coupling (11) on the head of the forehead support (2). The belt coupling (11) consists of at least two, preferably three, alternatively four horizontally next to one another, elongated in the vertical direction, recesses in the structure of the forehead support (2). The two outer recesses each have an additional gap (24) in the outward-facing structure of the forehead support (2). These gaps (24) can be used to thread the retaining straps into the strap coupling (11) at the patient's forehead level. Alternatively, the tape can also be fed through the centrally positioned recess.

Other embodiments of the belt coupling (11) are also contemplated. For example, this can also be implemented only through two recesses with an additional gap (24).

The width of the web (6) in the embodiment shown is significantly reduced compared to the head part with belt coupling (11) and the forehead support connector (21). This enables an attractive, slim design and the saving of material.

The forehead support connector (21) offers a number of locking teeth (12, 25) corresponding to the positioning and number of channels (8, 13) present in the mask body to complete the bayonet lock placed in the mask body (3). These stand on the outer contour of the connecting ring (4, 26) radially outwards and in turn each have a further radially outwardly directed tooth which, together with the locking tooth (14) in the mask body (3) for locking the mask body (3) and forehead support (2) ensures in the intended position. The inner contour of the forehead support connector (21) is designed as a ball cage (27) that can movably support the connection piece (33). The ball cage (27) is delimited towards the connection piece (33) by an outwardly narrowing ring structure (28).

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a forehead support (2) from behind. The forehead support (2) shown has two locking teeth (25). However, more locking teeth (25) to match the respective mask body (3) are also conceivable. Recesses (29) can be seen in the outer contour of the connecting ring (26) next to the locking teeth (25). These recesses (29) serve as additional outflow channels and guide the exhaled gases around the respective locking tooth (25) to the corresponding channel (8) arranged in the mask body (3). In addition, it is also conceivable to use such a recess (29) as mechanical coding for a defined alignment of the mask body (3), forehead support (2) and mask bead (3). For this purpose, the structure of the mask body (3) in the area of its mechanical coding (15) must be correspondingly permeable.

In Fig. 5 the forehead support (2) from Fig. 15 is shown from below. The outer contour of the forehead support connector (21), which is adapted to the inner contour of the mask body (3) and which is also composed of a ring and a funnel, can be seen. This contour forms the outflow surface (30) on the forehead support and, together with the inner surface of the mask body (3), defines the shape of the outflow channels and the exhalation gap.

Fig. 6 shows the forehead support (2) from above. It can be seen that the head part of the forehead support (2) protrudes towards a patient in relation to the forehead support connector (21). The shape of the head of the forehead support (2) accommodating the band coupling (11) has a recess (31) which provides a space between the forehead of a patient and the band coupling (23) in the forehead support (2).

In Fig. 7 mask body (3) and forehead support (2) can be seen as an assembled module in a perspective view. In the case of a rotationally symmetrical design of the mask body (3), it can be connected to the forehead support (2) in exactly two positions which are shifted by 180 ° and which are functionally identical. This makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the modules of the breathing mask. Mask body (3) and forehead support (2) can be connected using spacer elements (40, 41) which are arranged in the interface. Alternatively, the mechanical coupling can also take place without using spacer elements (40, 41).

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the assembled module comprising the mask body (3) and forehead support (2). The between the outflow surfaces of the mask body (3), as well as the Outflow channels and the outflow surface (30) of the forehead support connector (21) remaining gap (17) serve as a guide structure for the exhaled air. The increased structure in the area of the channels (19) in the mask body (3) seals the exhalation gap in a defined area on the upper side in the direction of the forehead support (2). This serves to prevent air from flowing out into areas that are uncomfortable for a patient, in particular the eyes.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a connector (33) according to the invention. The connection piece is designed as an angled tubular structure and has a surface contour (32) at one end that corresponds to a partial sphere. This partial ball (32) is used to move the connection piece and forehead support (2) by means of the ball cage (27) implemented in the forehead support connector (21).

At the other end, a rotatably mounted sleeve (34) is mounted as a connection for a hose (not shown).

Fig. 10 shows the mask body (3) in a front view. The rotational symmetry around an axis at the center of the inner radius and protruding perpendicularly from the plane of the drawing by 180 ° can be seen. The spacer ribs (40) protruding radially from the inner contour (37) and the reinforced areas (41) around the outflow channels (8, 38) can be seen. The shape of the locking teeth for the bayonet lock can also be seen, which secures the bayonet connection against unwanted twisting and loosening by locking with the counterpart on the forehead support (2).
Several outflow surfaces (37) can be seen on the inner surface of the mask body (3). The The inner surface of the mask body (3) opens to the front in the shape of a funnel, while its basic shape in the rear area facing a patient is defined by a tube of constant diameter. In the inner contour of the mask body (3) there are at least two channels (8, 38) which are implemented as cutouts in the tubular area and which extend into the funnel-shaped area. These channels (8, 38) act in a double function both as receptacles for the mechanical coupling of the forehead support (2), which can be implemented as a bayonet lock, for example, and as outflow channels for exhaled breathing gases, the complete contour of which is shared by the mask body (3) and Forehead support (2) is defined. For the bayonet lock, a tooth (39) is provided in the rear area next to each channel (8, 38), which protrudes radially inward from the inner contour of the mask body (3) and which offers the necessary mechanical resistance for the lock. Furthermore, several spacer ribs (40) are arranged on the inner surface of the mask body (3), which enable a connection of the mask body (3) and forehead support (2) without play or under pretension. In the area (41) of the outflow channels (8, 38) the material in the ring and funnel area is reinforced according to the height of the spacer ribs (40). The spacer ribs (40) and the reinforced areas (41) also delimit the outflow surfaces (37) laterally.
Additional recesses in the funnel-shaped area of the inner surface of the mask body (3) are also conceivable in order to form one or more additional outflow channels.

Within the inner contour of the mask body (3), a ring-shaped circumferential recess is also conceivable, which distributes the outflowing breathing gases evenly onto the outflow surfaces (7). distributed. This could be realized, for example, in the transition area from tube to funnel shape of the inner surface of the mask body (3).

On its sides, the mask body (3) has two wings (7, 9, 42), each of which has a mechanical structure for receiving a belt coupling (11). The belt can be connected, for example, by means of a clip (not shown). In the front area of the mask body (3) it is provided with knobs (43) at the level of the wings (42), which allow a better grip when handling the breathing mask. The knobs can also be designed as rays or arrows that indicate the direction of the outflowing breathing gases (43).

The basic shape of the channel (38) is added to an L-shaped recess behind the tooth (39), which enables the typical plug and screw connection. In the contour area behind the tooth (39) there is a locking tooth that secures the connection.
In addition, in one embodiment of the breathing mask, mechanical coding can be implemented in the mask body (3) in such a way that the mask bead can only be connected to the mask body (3) in the intended positions. This connection is made by plugging the mask bead onto the outer contour (16) of the mask body (3). In the embodiment shown, the connection is secured by at least one undercut on the outer contour of the mask body (3). In addition to the illustrated circular outer contour, other designs are also conceivable. In particular, an oval shape of the outer contour is intended. In combination with the shape of the connecting opening of the mask bead, which has an inner circumference smaller than or equal to the outer contour of the mask body (3) can also be shaped differently, the rigidity and the ratio of height and width of the mask bead can be adjusted. In particular, a combination of an oval design of the outer contour and a circular design of the connecting opening of the mask bead is intended. In addition to the connection between the mask bead and the mask body (3) shown by an undercut, other options are also conceivable. For example, it is also possible to glue the modules using a two-component adhesive. The mechanical receiving structure provided by in the area of the wing (42) for the belt coupling consists essentially of a spring plate (44) in combination with a recess in the structure of the wing (42). The clip is held in the receiving structure by a safety device (46). The fuse preferably has a radius.

Claims (15)

1. A breathing mask with an interface (1) for connecting at least two components (2, 3), a forehead support (2) component and a mask body (3) component, wherein the interface (1) is designed round or oval and has a maximum diameter (D), and the components (2, 3) each provide at least one section (4, 5) of the interface, wherein the component (2) has a grip part (6) that is designed as a part of the forehead support (10) and which extends radially outward viewed from the section (4) and from the axis of rotation (DA), and which is designed as a pressure surface or gripping means that is suitable for being used by the finger or hand of a user (B), wherein the component (3) has two grip parts (7, 9) which extend radially outward from the section (5) and which are designed as a pressure surface or gripping means that are suitable for being used by the finger or the hand of a user (B) and moreover have contact points (11) for a banding, wherein the sections (4, 5) can be moved in an assembly process about an axis of rotation (DA) and thereby engage in each other in a form fit, wherein the grip part (6) can be rotated in different rotary positions relative to the two grip parts (7, 9).
2. The breathing mask according to claim 1, characterized in that the grip parts (6, 7, 9) are dimensioned such that fingers of a user have sufficient room thereupon.
3. The breathing mask according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a grip part (6) is designed as part of the forehead support (2) and as a single part with the forehead support (10), wherein the forehead support moreover provides contact points (11) for the banding.
4. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two grip parts (7, 9) are designed as part of the body and as a single part with the body (3), wherein the grip parts moreover provide contact points (11) for the banding.
5. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the grip parts is provided with friction-increasing means (such as bumps or corrugation) in order to improve the feel.
6. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (1) serves to connect three components, wherein the components are the mask body (3), tube connector and forehead support (2).
7. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip part (6) is longer than the diameter (D) of the interface.
8. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two grip parts (7, 9) are each 50%-200% the length of the dimension of the diameter (D) of the interface.
9. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two grip parts (7, 9) are arranged symmetrically to each other on the component (3).
10. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that insertion bevels are provided in the region of the interface.
11. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that locking means are provided in the region of the interface in the sections (4, 5).
12. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two locking means (12, 13) which are arranged symmetrically are provided in the region of the interface in the sections (4, 5).
13. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion bevels and the locking means (12, 13) are designed and arranged so that the operating forces which are necessary to release the lock are greater than the operating forces which are necessary to close the lock.
14. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that spacing elements (40, 41) are arranged in the interface between the mask body (3) and forehead support (2).
15. The breathing mask according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (2, 3) have at least one indicator (Z) and at least one symbol (S), wherein by rotating the grip part (6, 7, 9), at least one indicator (Z) can be oriented toward at least one symbol (S), wherein the symbol (S) is stationary, and the indicator (Z) is designed to be rotatable relative to the symbol (s).

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